As Halloween rolls around keep in mind that the holiday can be stressful for your pets. They don’t know which witch is friendly or if there’s a smiling face behind that ghoul. Follow the tips below to minimize your pooch or kitty’s stress.
1. Set up a safe place
Trick or treaters constantly ringing the bell can be frightening for your furry friend. Set aside a quiet peaceful place for your pet to feel safe away from the frenzy. If your dog has a crate set it up for him with a treat toy and comfortable blanket. Dogs are much more at ease in kennels and crates. Cats would be happy with interactive toys in the room. Then close the door to the room and play quiet music. If your pet sometimes bolts out the door, putting them in an isolated spot will prevent the heartache of a lost pet. The same goes in the event you are having a Halloween party. Masks and costumes can be scary when they alter how people appear. Your pet will be much more comfortable in its safe spot.
2. Trick or Treat Poochless
If you are going out Halloween night, leave your dog at home. The lights, costumes and noise are disorienting and stressful for dogs. A stressed out canine can run off or bite someone. Best to leave trick or treating to the humans.
3. Candy can be toxic
While Halloween candy is around, keep it in a high cabinet out of pet reach. The chocolate and a chemical called Xylitol in candy and gum is toxic to pets. Make sure children know not to share their haul with pets too. That includes any stashes they may keep in their rooms. Dogs have a keen sense of smell and will root these out. Keep the 24-hour ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline handy: 888-426-4435 in the event of any mishaps. Also watch for any rotting pumpkins that can harbor harmful bacteria. Don’t let these become pet snacks.
4. Hazardous Decorations
Keep an eye on any decorations you put up indoors. Fake cobwebs are choking hazards. Lights can be irresistible to cats that like to chew. Glow sticks and fake blood have poisons in them. Just be aware of the dangers and monitor decorations.
5. Costume Calamities
Is your pet going to be in costume? Make sure the disguise allows for freedom of movement and comfort. If a mask or hat is part of the ensemble you may want to leave it on only for a quick photo. They can be stressful much beyond that. Look for these signs that your pooch is not comfortable in his attire. A pooch with folded down ears, eyes rolling back or looking sideways, a tucked tail or hunching over has had enough of dress up.
6. Indoor is the best place to be
Before night falls bring your pet inside. Shouting ghouls, goblins and strangers in costume can stress your four-footed friend. Bring your pet inside to its safe place and they’ll be more relaxed.
Following these tips will keep pets happy and comfortable. Less stress for them means less for you too. Happy Howl-oween.
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